USA vs Australia Predictions
The US looked superb in their win against Paraguay, and with the backing of a passionate crowd, should have enough to edge past Australia.
A home win is my preferred pick, while I also like the chances of both teams scoring.
Home Win/BTTS Likely in Seattle
- USA have seen BTTS in 8 of their last 9 matches
- USA have conceded at least 1 goal in 14 of their last 15 matches
- USA won 5 of their last 8 matches
USA Lead Australia in H2H Record
The USA and Australia have met on two previous occasions in the past 16 years. The American claimed a 3-1 friendly win in 2010, before a 2-1 success in their most recent encounter last year.
USA Punish Paraguay
The USA kicked off their home World Cup with a rousing 4-1 win against Paraguay last weekend. Folarin Balogun emerged the hero for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with the Monaco man bagging twice in a dominant display.
The Stars and Stripes finished the contest with 65% possession, registering 16 shots and a final xG of 1.42. Paraguay had just nine efforts and an xG of 0.54.
After a difficult year, the US have begun to find their best form under Argentine boss Pochettino. USA won five of their last eight matches, including morale-boosting friendly wins against Uruguay (5-1) and Senegal (3-2).
The Americans also edged to a 2-1 win against Australia in an international fixture less than one year ago.
Defensive issues remain a concern, though. The US have kept just one clean sheet in 15 games played over the past 12 months. Eleven of those games finished with at least three goals scored.
Australia Tame Turks
Australia arrive at Lumen Field in high spirits after a stunning 2-0 victory against World Cup dark horses Turkey last weekend.
Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe secured a famous win for the Socceroos.
In a resilient, backs-to-the-wall display, Australia registered just 28% possession but frustrated the Turks throughout. Despite facing 30 shots, Tony Popovic’s side held on to claim a memorable victory.
Before their shock win against the Europeans, the Aussies had failed to win five of seven previous fixtures.
Their recent record at the World Cup has been better, though, with three wins picked up from their last four finals fixtures since 2022.
Squads and Team News
USA Squad
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Matt Freese, Chris Brady
Defenders: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to stick with the same side that easily overcame Paraguay last weekend. Folarin Balogun will continue to spearhead the US attack after his impressive brace in California.
Christian Pulisic is fit and available after being withdrawn at the interval against Paraguay.
Pochettino warned his side not to underestimate the Australian challenge on Friday.
"What I can say about Australia is obvious; the way that they play," said the coach. "But for me, it's the mentality, the mindset, and the belief. They are a very strong team, really believing in what they are doing.
"When we played against them in Denver (a 2-1 United States win last October), it was one of the most difficult games that we played in all this run to today.
Australia Squad
Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan, Paul Izzo, Patrick Beach
Defenders: Milos Degenek, Alessandro Circati, Jacob Italiano, Jordan Bos, Jason Geria, Kai Trewin, Aziz Behich, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Lucas Herrington
Midfielders: Connor Metcalfe, Ajdin Hrustic, Aiden O'Neill, Cammy Devlin, Jackson Irvine, Paul Okon-Engstler
Forwards: Mathew Leckie, Mohamed Toure, Awer Mabil, Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, Nishan Velupillay, Tete Yengi
Head coach Popovic will be keen to retain confidence in much of the same side that beat Turkey.
Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess are expected to retain their places in the heart of the Australian defence.